Safe Water Network hosts a physical training program on ‘Vocational Training of Youth and Women in Water Enterprise’ under the USAID program SEWAH with Amity University, Noida

Noida: Safe Water Network, the well-known international NGO, held a physical training program on July 15, 2022, named ‘Vocational Training of Youth and Women in Water Enterprise’ to share its knowledge on how to become a certified water entrepreneur/technician. The week-long residential training program will be conducted under the USAID program SEWAH in partnership with Amity University NOIDA.

The inauguration was held in the presence of Dr. Poonam Sinha, Director, National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development. NIESBUD and Dr. R.K. Bharti, Joint Director, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises as the Guest of Honour. Mr. Paul Varghese, Acting Director GDO, USAID / India, spoke about the USAID and Government of India partnership for the commitment to clean water for public health improvement and the importance of private sector participation and enterprises to solve it. Ms. Poonam Sewak, Vice President, Programs & Partnerships, Safe Water Network, presented the keynote address, followed by a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Neelam Saxena, Head, Amity Center For Entrepreneurship Development Amity University.

At the event, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr) Balvinder Shukla graced the occasion motivated the participants to start a safe water enterprise as this is the call of the day.

Safe Water Network, in partnership with SEWAH Alliance partners, is scaling up water enterprises in India. The vocational training program, is a part of the scale up initiative. The training includes Social Entrepreneurship and Soft Skills modules, Community Water Treatment plants / Water ATMs Maintenance and Repair, Installation of Point of Use filters, Urban Roof-Top Rainwater Harvesting – Principles and Methods, plumbing, and minor electrical applications. These topics are covered under the direction of highly qualified industry trainers and is a mix of theory, practical and field visit. Amity University will continue to hand-hold and mentor the trainees for six months post training and assist them in development of business plans, loan securing etc.

Dr. Poonam Sinha, Director, National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development. NIESBUD said, “It is encouraging to witness the contribution of today’s youth in guiding the nation toward prosperity. Water is a vital resource for human habitation. Safe Water Network in partnership with USAID and Amity University will assist youth in protecting this precious natural resource while advancing their careers timely under the guidance of skilled mentors.”
Dr. R.K. Bharti, Joint Director, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, said, “The biggest gift is the gift of teaching How to Fish. It is admirable that the program SEWAH, in partnership with USAID, NGO – Safe Water Network, and Academia – Amity University, training to create social entrepreneurs in safe water enterprise. Our country has abundant talent and resources, and this training program provides an opportunity to become pioneers of social change. This is the biggest contribution to development.”

Mr. Paul Varghese, Acting Director-General Development Officer, USAID India, said, “USAID believes that all people, especially women, youth, and marginalized communities, play a pivotal role in improving the well-being of their society. USAID’s partnership with SEWAH and Amity University exemplifies this because women and youth, throughout the country, are now empowered to be change agents and help improve access to safe drinking water in their communities, with the goal of ensuring that clean water is not a privilege, but a right for all.”

Ms. Poonam Sewak, Vice President – Program & Partnerships, Safe Water Network India, said, “We believe that water enterprises led by women and youth are critical to improving water security and safe water availability for public health improvement. Youths are the agents of change; these enterprises provide income and uplift the community’s well-being. Along with the USAID-supported-SEWAH program, we have trained youth in social enterprises to be self-employed, generate income, and provide safe water locally. The Digital online toolkit – iSWEET, Safe Water Enterprise Entrepreneur Toolkit facilitates learning at your pace. We are proud to partner with the Amity University, which has an excellent record of training, skilling, mentoring, and creating entrepreneurs by providing exceptional vocational and practical education.

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Bansal, Dean FMS, Director ABS, AUUP said “Amity University is a premier educational institution that is making significant contribution in transforming the education in India. At Amity University, we are putting into action the vision of our founder chairman Shri Ashok Chauhan to provide high quality education to everyone despite their caste, gender and economic status. We are delighted to work with Safe Water Network India on this vocational training program on water enterprise and we hope to build dedicated water entrepreneurs that contribute towards building nation.

Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor Amity University Uttar Pradesh said “Congratulations to Safe Water Network India and USAID to design such a consultancy and training program. Water is the next generation currency and future wars will be based on this.”